Meet Rylee

Rylee was referred to St. Jude for treatment for neuroblastoma. Rylee’s resilience and sunny disposition earned her the nickname “Smiley Rylee” at St. Jude.

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St. Jude patient Rylee with her mom

St. Jude patient Rylee at St. Jude with her parents

Rylee's story

Kaitlin and Miles were living their dream. They had a beautiful 10-month-old daughter, Rylee, and a home they built on 17 acres of Tennessee land. Miles, with Kaitlin’s support, had pursued his passion for tournament fishing. Life was good, filled with the simple joys of family and nature.

But then, life cast a shadow over their serene waters. They noticed unexplained black eyes on their happy baby girl. Concerned, they took Rylee to the pediatrician. An ultrasound revealed a growth in her right adrenal gland. The diagnosis: neuroblastoma, a cancer that grows from cells in the nervous system.

St. Jude patient Rylee with her dad

There’s nothing that can prepare you for that kind of devastation

- Kaitlin, Rylee's mom

The family was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. There, they learned they would never receive a bill for Rylee’s treatment, travel, housing or food. “It gave me light at the end of the tunnel to be able to continue providing for my family,” Miles said.

St. Jude patient Rylee

St. Jude patient Rylee with her dad

Rylee’s treatment included chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor. Despite the challenges, the family found solace at St. Jude. “Lots of caring people were very gracious with the amount of support and just love that they showed our family from the very first day we walked in,” Kaitlin said. “We weren’t just a patient, we were Rylee and Rylee’s family.”

Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.

Now back home, with Rylee’s scans showing no evidence of disease, the family has a newfound appreciation for ordinary life. They love watching the deer and turkeys that roam their property. Rylee’s laughter fills the air as she plays with Doppler, their corgi.